(Palmer, AK) – As the growing season nears, the Division of Agriculture would like to remind retail store managers and nursery/greenhouse producers about Alaska’s plant health requirements for the sale of seed potatoes, tomato plants, as well as the purchasing of other nursery stock from out-of-state sources. These requirements are designed to help prevent plants and potato seed infected with diseases, such as Late Blight and Sudden Oak Death Disease, from entering Alaska.

A letter explaining the state’s requirements for seed potatoes, tomato plants and other nursery stock can be found by visiting the “Programs” tab on the Division of Agriculture website, at www.dnr.alaska.gov/ag. Click on “Inspection Services” and look under “Late Blight Quarantine Information.” The letter also provides a list of 2012 Alaska certified seed potato growers and certified potato varieties. For more information, contact the Division of Agriculture at 907-745-7200.